Question

Jackson is a 25-year-old male who fell through the ice while playing hockey with his friends at a local pond. Although he had been under the ice for at least 10 minutes, he was resuscitated by first responders. After 5 days on life support at the hospital, his attending physician declares Jackson in a persistent vegetative state. Jackson’s wife agrees to discontinue life support, but she is surprised to discover that Jackson had signed up to be an organ donor when he renewed his driver’s license. After reviewing the benefits of organ donation, the hospital’s organ donor specialist explains that in this state, Jackson’s signed driver’s license is a legal document expressing his wishes. Jackson’s wife, however, cannot tolerate the thought and demands his body remain intact. She insists that while they never spoke about the issue, she is certain it must be a mistake. What should be done in this case? How could this situation have been prevented?

Answer 1

She is in an emotionel state as her husband is going to die.she may not try to understand that he has sighned a consent for organ donation.so first send her to a counsellor so that she can share all her thoughts and can take decision regarding organ donation.make her understand that it is a legal procedure no one can mis use it and it is signed by her husband not any other one.so it is her responsibility to full fill last wish of her husband.provide information regarding benefits of organ donation like some other person will get a new life through her husband and he will be remembered by the receiver.atlast she may agree with this situation.